Tokyo united as one to overcome this crisis

Meanwhile, we are receiving the tremendous cooperation of the residents and businesses of Tokyo for establishing the “new normal” in this age where we have to live with coronavirus. This includes strictly observing handwashing, keeping a distance from each other, promoting staggered commuting hours and telework, and thoroughly following guidelines for preventing the spread of infection. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will continue to strategically disseminate accurate information by utilizing various tools to encourage more people to practice new habits that will form the foundation for beating this infectious disease. Especially, in order to carry on with economic and social activities while preventing the spread of infection, I once again strongly urge everyone’s cooperation toward basic measures, such as requesting business operators to take thorough measures to prevent infections in accordance with the guidelines, and asking the residents of Tokyo to look for the COVID-19 safety sticker to avoid stores and other establishments that are not taking adequate steps.

We cannot stop the spread of the disease unless the Tokyo government, our residents and businesses work together to make the new normal take root. I hope that this awareness will be shared widely, and that Tokyo will come together to overcome this difficult situation. I sincerely ask for your continued cooperation.

These requests for cooperation are based on Article 24, paragraph 9 of the Revised Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response, and we strongly urge the central government to amend the Act to increase the effectiveness of these measures.